I am a fan of the hit AMC show “The Walking Dead”. For those of you who might not be familiar with the show, the dead have risen into zombies. Much of the population has been decimated, and those who survive are faced with one of the worst, albeit fake, TEOTWAWKI scenarios possible.

As I mentioned, I know the situation is fake but if you take out the zombies and replace them with a severe pandemic, life could be very similar. I think there are some great lessons to be learned, from the creative and somewhat dark minds that have created the original graphic novel and now the hit show. Below are ten of the lessons I have learned. Many of these examples are not new lessons for me but they are still items I gleaned from the show. If you have not watched the show but are considering it, be forewarned; there will be some spoilers here.
 
 
In a Worst Case Scenario, You Cannot Have Enough of Anything

None of the people in the show were preppers. They soon ran out of just about everything. They scavenged to get some needed items but never seem to have a surplus of anything. Ammo, in particular, was something they were constantly in short supply of, so much so that they used hand to hand, and a crossbow to dispatch the zombies.
 
 

You Cannot Count on the Government to Fix Things

I have read from multiple sources that during a large scale event, a minimum of 60% of first responders will not show up for work. In The Walking Dead, police and military forces are overrun in every city, save one group of National Guard that are killed by a group of bandits. In the first season, the goal for the main characters is to make it to the CDC, which they find overrun (for the first part).

While I think the government would fare better during a pandemic than government agencies did in The Walking Dead, they may not be capable of saving the day (duh). Since I am equating the rise of the dead from the show to a pandemic, I think the movie Contagion (which I reviewed here) showed a realistic response from government. They will do their best but we need to be our own first responders.
 
 

There is No Place Like Home…Sometimes

I am a firm believer that in the vast majority of scenarios, staying home and battening down is the safer choice. In two of the seasons they had a main “base”; a farm and a prison. They were overrun by zombies and forced to leave the safety of the farm. After wandering for months they find a prison and make it home. They are attacked by another group of humans and are faced with the choice of going back on the road, hoping they can find another sanctuary, or defending their new home.

Having a bug out plan and being able and ready to put it in place on a moment’s notice is a must. When they are chased from the farm, they have no time to get any supplies and are forced to leave with the clothes on their backs and a few vehicles. This is also a good reason to keep a car kit in each vehicle, that way you will always have a few supplies.
 
 

There is Safety in Numbers, IF You Can Trust Them

In this TEOTWAWKI event there are so many dangers and so much that needs to be done to ensure daily survival, that having a group of trustworthy, like-minded people is an absolute must! There is a caveat; there are people who, with the rule of law removed, will take anything by force. Through the three seasons, the group runs into two groups of such people and each time it escalates into violence.

That being said, there is just too much to be done for a lone person or a small group to accomplish, from gathering food and other supplies, cooking, gathering firewood, getting water, doing laundry, fortifying positions, standing watch and on and on.

Food Stores Eventually Run Out

As I mentioned above, none of the group were preppers. Even if they had been, they might have been overrun and forced to leave their preparations behind. They had water available in several locations, but were low on food several times, once having an owl and two cans of dog food as a potential meal.

Throughout the course of the show, they hunted, fished and scavenged for food. It was never enough to feed their entire group. Only when they were on the farm did they never want for food. When they found the prison, one of the first things mentioned was where they could grow food.

This show does a better job than any other TEOTWAWKI show, movie or book that comes to mind when it comes to the effort it takes to keep a group fed and I think they still fall short in the effort it takes. Like I mentioned, only at the farm did they not go hungry. Knowing how to grow food is a skill everyone should learn and practice.
 
 

Medical and First Aid Training is an Absolute Must

From memory, the group saw a gunshot wound, transfusions, crossbow wound, shock and depression, severe cuts, sprained ankle, impalement on a fence, several beatings, birth, amputation and I’m sure I’m missing some. While I understand the show is fiction and that some of these items were added for the sake of dramatic effect, in a severe wide scale event like this or any other, people will be doing things they didn’t do in their normal everyday lives.

The group is fortunate enough to find a veterinarian who can help with some of the more difficult procedures along the way. A good first aid class would give someone the information and skills needed to remedy several of things you may face. Books like “Where There Is No Doctor” would be a great item to have.

 
 
Be Ready to Defend Yourself at a Moment’s Notice

Early on, the group learned this lesson; they have to watch out for the “walkers” and other humans. Strangers are met and often introductions are made at the point of a gun. Many of you are familiar with the Cooper Color Code. In a TEOTWAWKI situation such as this show, anytime there are strangers present, one might be in condition orange or in condition black, just awaiting the next threat.

This is another reason that having a place to stay put is important. There, with others on watch, one can relax, even if only temporarily. Being at a heightened state of alert for an extended length of time can physically, emotionally and mentally take a toll on a person’s overall health.
 
 

Living in a Pressure Cooker

Living in close contact with people in a high stress environment can meld people together or drive them apart. The bonds that can be formed with people can be the strongest kind of bonds there are. The length of time you know a person means next to nothing. There are a few examples of brothers and people who grew up together fracturing, while others who’ve known each other for a short time withstand many tests.
 
 

Leadership

The person who takes a leadership role might have to make some very difficult decisions. Some in the group will respect the person and be glad they, themselves, didn’t have to make the decision. Others may fight every decision that is made, thinking they know better.

I think Rick, the leader of the group in the Walking Dead, is a good example of a leader. He listens to all sides and is not afraid of making the hard call. He shows compassion and mercy and is determined to protect those who’re under his care.
 
 

Some Come to Faith, Others Leave It

The show only lightly touches on faith but this is something else I have seen in real life. In dire times, people turn to God; some just to ask “why?” and others to find a savior. There are those who are believers and, for whatever reason, turn from God. In the show, the main character, Rick Grimes, who is an unbeliever, enters an empty church and prays. Hershel, a man of faith, is seen studying the Bible and quotes scripture now and then. After his farm is overrun, he seems to have lost his faith.

I think that as believers we need to have a ready answer to the questions of “how a loving God could allow this to happen.” We also need to be encouragers and be praying for those in our group, that God see’s us all through the event we’re currently in.
 
 

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This post was written by Rob Richardson from and originally posted on Offgrid Survival

Talking to Friends and Family about Prepping

A number of readers have emailed me lately asking how they can convince their friends and family to start prepping.

To be honest this is a touchy subject, one that can often make even hardcore preppers feel a bit uncomfortable.

For some, the thought of talking to anyone about prepping fills them with feelings of anxiety. Just the thought of others knowing what preps you have is enough to fill anyone with a sense of paranoia . And who can blame them, lately it seems like every time we turn on the news another government agency is warning people about those dangerous preppers.

For those that do try to talk about the subject, trying to get their family and friends on board can be a headache to say the least.

From friends and family members that truly believe the government will save them in a time of crisis, to those that have been brainwashed by the media to believe that preppers are all tinfoil hat wearing nutjobs, prepping can often be a touchy or even taboo subject to talk about. While we have touched on the subject in the past, I thought it was important to take another look at how we can help those we care about prepare for an uncertain future.

Dealing with those who believe the Government will help them in a time of crisis.

As a reader who recently wrote to me pointed out, 50 years of being programmed to believe that the government can help is hard to undo. We live in a society that is becoming increasingly reliant on the government to help them in every aspect of their lives. In fact, over 67 million Americans now rely on government aid to pay for either housing, food, health care, or education. That’s 1 in 5 Americans!

Most people simply don’t realize, or believe that they are in any kind of danger. Most Americans live under the belief that the government will be there to help them in a time of crisis. So what can you do to change this mindset and protect those that you care about?

Use the Governments own advice.

Even the government advises people to be prepared. They will be the first to admit that during a time of crisis it’s highly unlikely that they’ll be able to respond in under 72 hours.

At the very least, your friends and family should be prepared to survive at home without power, water, and utilities for a minimum of 72 hours. While most of the governments advice is rather simplistic,  it may help you introduce the subject to those who depend on the government for everything.

Show them how the Government is increasing their preparedness efforts.

Over the last year the federal government has steadily increased their preparedness stockpiles by buying up huge amounts of emergency food and medical supplies. At one point, the government was purchasing so much emergency food that the major emergency food suppliers had to stop selling to the public.

And it’s not just food that they’re buying. From overhauling the National Emergency Alert System and running the first ever national test last November to running major multi-state multi-agency earthquake drills, it seems like the government is trying to prepare the public for something big. A number of these government agencies have also started to warn their employees to prepare for the worse.

Point out Government failures.

From botching the first test of the Emergency Alert System, to the way the government handled events like Hurricane Katrina, it should be apparent that once the feds get involved with anything,things quickly go from bad to worse. I would point out these break downs and ask your loved ones if they really want to put their lives in the governments hands.

One last point….

Prepping isn’t just about preparing for a cataclysmic end of the world event. It’s about being prepared for those small scale events in life that can feel cataclysmic if we’re not prepared. Having some extra food, water, and knowledge is no different than buying an insurance policy. We all hope that we will never have to use it, but should something bad happen you’re going to be kicking yourself if your not prepared.

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This article was written by Gaye Levy and originally posted on Backdoor Survival.

7 Critical Steps to Take Following a Disaster

Without question, when a major disaster hits an area, entire communities are affected in ways that are unimaginable.  And while it is nice to think that the rescue squad will be trotting by to help at any moment, we all know that is not true.

It is not for a lack of trying.  Local responders such as fire departments, police departments, EMTs, military personnel and even members of the local Red Cross are likely to be stuck in the throes of the disaster just like you are.  Their own communication systems may be down, their facilities may be destroyed and their families and their homes may be in danger, hurt or damaged.

During the short period immediately following a disaster, it is up to individuals to do  the best they can do to fend for themselves.  But what happens if you are alone or injured?  This is where some advance planning comes in to play and where having the forethought to get to know your neighbors ahead of time will reap benefits when it comes to digging out from the disaster at hand.

I have always maintained that getting to know your neighbors is an important – if not critical – step in your disaster planning.  Today I outline seven critical steps that you, as individuals, and as neighbors helping neighbors, can take following a disaster.

SEVEN STEPS TO TAKE FOLLOWING A DISASTER

1. Are you safe?

Your first concern is to insure that family members, loved ones and pets are safe. Check to see if there are any injuries that need immediate attention and tend to them first.  Walk around your home to determine if there is structural damage that makes staying inside unsafe.

2. Locate dry warm clothing and sturdy shoes.

Conditions can change very rapidly following a disaster.  Locate dry, warm clothing and put them on along with a decent pair of socks and sturdy shoes.  If you have some gloves, put those on as well.

Many people keep these items under their bed so that they can be located in a hurry in the even they had to get out quickly.  Yes, it may be the middle of summer but go ahead and layer on the clothing anyway.  You can always shed it later.  Put them on, along with gloves if you have them.

Remember, you are dressing for safety, no fashion or style.

3. Turn off the utilities.

Turn off the electricity coming in to your home.  Why do you need to do this?  A disaster can disrupt your electrical service or cause wires and electrical fixtures to separate, creating a shock and fire hazard.  It is better to be safe than sorry.

If you smell natural or propane gas, or hear a hissing noise, evacuate immediately.  Locate the gas meter outside your home and turn off the gas.  This is something that everyone in your family should know how to do.

Note:  Most meters are at the front or side of the house. Some are put inside a building. In apartments or commercial buildings, they might be in the back.

If you do not smell gas or do not here hissing, it may be okay to leave the gas on but when in doubt – or if the damage appears severe, shut it off anyway.

4. Conserve Your Water

Water quickly becomes a precious resource following many disasters. For that reason you will want to turn off the water at the main valve in order to insure that the water that is already in your home remains safe and clean.  You shut off the water for two reasons:

• Cracked lines external to your home may pollute the water supply.  Shutting down the water prevents cross contamination.
• The effects of gravity may drain the water in your hot water and toilet tanks unless you trap it in your house by shutting off the main house valve.  You may need to conserve this water for your own use for a few days, before the community water is again deemed safe.

5. Communicate with Others

Place a communication card in your house window to show your family’s condition – have OK written on one side and HELP written on the backside.  This will alert neighbors and first responders of your condition and will allow them to help those most in need first.

You will then want to execute your family communication plan.  If you have not put together a plan, then make that a priority now.  (Read 10 Steps for Preparing Family Emergency Plan.)

If communication lines are open (cell phone, texting, emergency radios), make contact with the out-of-state or out-of-area contact person that has been pre-selected to relay information when family members are separated following a disaster and local lines are not working.

6. Fire Protection

If you home is safe and the electricity is off, gather your  fire extinguishers and place them outside of your home in a visible location so that others in the neighborhood can use them if a fire erupts.  You are not only being a good neighbor by doing this – you are also preventing a fire next door for jumping over to your home and setting it on fire as well.

7.  Help Your Neighbors

If you have taken my advice and introduced yourself to your neighbors, join them in an effort to determine whether anyone in the community needs immediate assistance right way.  Check on the neighbors that might be the most vulnerable, including families with young children, the disabled and the elderly.

For those that are hurt, provide basic first aid.  Turn off any remaining gas valves if you suspect a leak (by smell or by sound.)  And most important, help evacuate anyone who appears to be in danger and is too shocked or dare I say, too ignorant, to do so on their own.

AFTER A DISASTER THERE IS A LOT TO DO

San Francisco Earthquake – 1906

When disaster strikes – and I hope it doesn’t – there will be a lot to do. Fear and panic aside, it is good to consider a plan of action before it happens.

That said, this list of seven things to do following a disaster is not the be all and the end all. After all, there are way more post-disaster activities to attend to than I could ever describe in one brief article. Not only that, I am just an ordinary person trying to learn as much as I can about disasters now so that I can act in an assertive and panic free manner if and when it happens to me.   And in that respect, I am just like you.

Without any special training, I want to be able to do those things that I know I am capable of doing and further I want to do them well.

THE FINAL WORD

I have long maintained the importance to to hook up with neighbors and with like minded people in your community long before a disaster strikes.  These are the folks that will be first on the scene when a disaster strikes and in my opinion, by joining forces, your rescue and recovery efforts will be much more efficient and effective than if you tried to do everything on your own.

For that reason alone, I encourage you to get to know your neighbors so that you recognize them and know that they will be the good guys when a disaster strikes.

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!

Gaye

We’re all preparing for a time when life is harder than it is now, whatever flavor of “when it hits the fan” that might be. Many of us store food and gear that we don’t use on a regular basis. Some might be saving it strictly for that rainy day. I’m not judging. I’ve purchased an item or two that might be hard to find if things fall apart, but I don’t use often now.

We balance our everyday lives with modern creature comforts, with one eye on the potential for things to fall apart. This presents a potential problem for some of us; we may face a potential shock to the system.

When I was in the Navy (I’m sure other branches could tell a similar story), we would spend six months at sea, working 12 hour days, going to port in foreign countries for a few days of R&R. We were lucky to get mail once a week. When we got back home we suffered culture shock. The music and fashion were different and we hadn’t heard of any of the movies that were now out. You wouldn’t believe how much people can change in six short months! Hence, so many “dear John letters” and divorces after a deployment. We lived longing to get home, but when we were finally there, things were different and it took some getting used to.

My guess is that with the advances in technology and the Internet, things are a bit different in the military for those who’re deployed now. I’m sure they’re still very difficult but I bet there isn’t as much culture shock. The military can now use Facebook, Skype or other technology to stay integrated with their families. With the Internet they can keep abreast of the popular things back home. I have visited several prepper forums that have active posting members that were deployed overseas.

I think many preppers have a segregated approach to preparedness, much like when I was in the Navy. By “segregated” I mean that we prepare and put things aside for “when it hits the fan”. When it does hit the fan we’re not used to living that way. It will take some time to get used to the new normal.

I’m not suggesting we live now as if things had fallen apart or like life as we knew it is over. I think an integrated approach, to some extent, makes sense. For example, planning to cook over a fire as your main way of cooking if the grid goes down, you might consider cooking one meal a week that way right now. If you have some equipment on a shelf, take it down and either learn to use it, or make sure it still works.

I’ve written previously about ways you can drill to test your preparedness. Testing them and adding some of that lifestyle to your way of life now will show you where your holes are and will limit any future shock to a new reality.

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I reposted an article from Offgrid Survival called Half of all Americans Won’t Survive 2 Weeks without Electricity. It explained how fragile the electric grid is and how most Americans won’t last two weeks without it.

I’m not sure that half the population would die off in two weeks. In my thinking it would depend on if trucks were still running and making deliveries of food and medicine. One thing I do know is that if we saw an event that brought the electric grid down, life would be difficult for everyone and impossible for some.

I have written articles in the past that will be helpful in such an event. One thing to keep in mind about any type of event is that there are five basic human needs that need to be met. The articles that I think are helpful are listed under the basic need that is the best fit. Some might be listed under multiple basic needs.
 
 

Water

If there is no electricity in many places there won’t be running water for long. Some communities have their water pumped in over two hundred miles. Knowing where to get water is a must, as is “The Storage, Filtration And Purification Of Water”.
 
 
Food

I listed some tips for keeping food cold for a short term power outage in “Keeping Food Cold Without Electricity”. Some of these tips could be used to keep food cold for a short time in a long-term event. One might need to know how to cook with “Off Grid Fuel’s” as well.
 
 
Shelter

One often overlooked thing when facing a grid down event is “Survival Sanitation”. If you’re connected to city sewer and water, how to handle human waste is something you’re going to want to know and might want to clue your neighbors in on quickly.

Knowing how to wash clothes is covered in “Off-Grid Laundry”. “Keeping Cool Without AC” is good information to know as well.

As far as I know insulin is the only medicine that means life and death if it is not kept cool. This and some other Diabetic related info is covered in “Preparedness for Diabetics”.

One items that gets more use when the power is out is candles. Because of this “Candle Safety” is important to know. Because of the loss of water pressure, “Fire Safety, Before and After the Fan” is good to know as well.
 
 
Energy

Having batteries to keep small electronics charged is a good idea. “Preparedness and Batteries” covers some needed information. Having a “Portable Generator” could enable power to your home or at least certain portions of it.

Having “Off Grid Fuel” stocked and knowing “Fuel Storage” for gasoline and diesel would be important as well.
 
 
Security

The main thing to keep in mind about security during a prolonged grid down event is that you might see more crime. I covered what civil unrest might look like in “What Does Civil Unrest Look Like and How Can You Stay Safe Near It?”. You might consider “Keeping Watch Once It’s Hit the Fan” and instituting “Light, Sound and Smell Discipline”.
 
 
Closing Thoughts

I have a couple resources available that have a huge amount of information you might consider printing off to make sure it is available for just such an event. They are “Fifteen Must Have Downloads” and the link library. To get to the link library, hover your mouse over “General Preparedness”. It is the top drop down. You can choose from any of the available headings.

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